TomTom1 wrote:


Any one have any diagrams? I am attempting to build a pan brake to bend
1/8 sheet metal up to 36 inches wide manuelly. Using 4 x 7.3 channel
iron and 1/4 x 4 angle. Will use 1/2 x 3 F.B. where needed. Thanks.

I have a light-weight Chicago finger brake. I use it mostly
to bend .062" aluminum, and it can just handle that OK.
The brake beam on top is a solid steel 2x4 with some braces
welded to it. The platen (main frame) is equally solid, and
the folding plate is a huge piece of 3/8 and 1/2" steel.

Remember, this just handles 1/16" aluminum! You want to bend
1/8" steel? You need a brake that weighs something like 2000
Lbs, and is probably hydraulically operated.

A press brake seems to be the modern tool for this kind of work.

Jon